The Distillery
At Eastern Light Distilling, we don’t just distill whiskey; we care for the land it comes from and the people who trust us to bring it to life. Every barrel begins with intention, transparency, and the kind of craftmanship that turns raw ingredients into lasting partnerships.
A new day has arrived for Kentucky Bourbon thanks to Eastern Light Distilling. Based in Morehead, Kentucky, Eastern Light is led by two of the industry’s most respected voices: an internationally recognized master distiller and a senior executive with decades of experience building and promoting iconic Bourbon brands.
Our 230-acre campus is purpose-built to serve today’s craft makers. It features a 50,000-square-foot state-of-the-art distillery, a 54-inch column still, rickhouses, a full bottling facility, and a distinctive visitor experience. Supported by a team of more than 50 full-time staff, the site is designed to produce over 100,000 barrels annually and deliver fully customizable, innovative production for a growing portfolio of partners.
Eastern Light has become the distillery home for many different craft Bourbon brands, where craft clients have the unique opportunity to showcase their stories and share their spirits with Bourbon enthusiasts and visitors from around the world.
Honoring Eastern Kentucky
Our founders share deep Kentucky roots. Master Distiller Caleb Kilburn was born and raised in nearby Bath County and is a proud graduate of Morehead State University. Chief Executive Officer Cordell Lawrence’s family hails from nearby Carter County with a legacy in the Commonwealth dating back to the 1700s.
Eastern Kentucky is the foundation for our mission to transform the craft Bourbon industry. As the sun rises in the east and illuminate a region known for its natural beauty and abundant resources, it also shines on a place defined by craftsmanship, culture, and opportunity.
With more than $140 million committed to the community, Eastern Light is building a distillery campus that will drive economic growth, create local jobs, and open the region to new tourism opportunities. We are proud to honor Eastern Kentucky’s past while helping shape its future—bringing a vibrant new chapter of Kentucky Bourbon to life, right here in Rowan County.
The Ingredients for Success
Our distillery is perfectly positioned to bring together all the essential ingredients that make Eastern Kentucky a natural home for world-class Bourbon.
From the materials used in construction to the grain and water used in production, we proudly source locally whenever possible.
The land surrounding our campus offers both a stunning backdrop and a strategic location—just off I-64 and adjacent to the Morehead-Rowan County Airport. Our water flows from the beautiful Cave Run Lake, known for its clarity and purity. The corn at the heart of our Bourbon is cultivated by local farmers. The wood for the barrels that will perfectly age our products is harvested locally and milled by a neighboring stave mill and cooperage. And above all, it’s the people of the region whose craftsmanship and commitment bring Eastern Light Distilling to life.
We’re honored to call Eastern Kentucky home and are proud to help share its resources, talent, and spirit with the world.
Our Strategic Partners
Eastern Light is proud to partner with some of the best architects, designers, fabricators, financial service providers, and creative experts in Kentucky and beyond to help bring this exciting new project to fruition. Our list of strategic partners includes the following companies:
– Blue & Company
– Gray Construction
– Joseph & Joseph Architects
– Kertis Creative
– RunSwitch PR
– Vendome Copper & Brass Works Inc
– Magnolia Bank
– Independent Stave Company